Since the beginning of the 2010s (and perhaps even earlier), internships have become nothing short of inevitable for many professionals. Often, internships are a necessary step to completing a college degree, as many programs across various fields require practical experience before granting a diploma. Other times, internships serve as networking tools that soon-to-be or recent graduates can use to get their foot in the door—AKA, the magic formula that ends the need-experience-to-get-experience circle so many of us face.
Whether you’re a current student, recent grad, or looking to change careers, an internship could work wonders for your future job prospects. Wondering how to sign up yet?
Well, it just so happens that internships are a great reason to travel abroad, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best international internship programs around the globe across many fields (psst—and some of them come with a paycheck in tow!).
What makes these the “best” international internship programs?
We’ve found the best international internship programs, yes, but what does that mean? We’ll keep it simple: These are comprehensive, unique, and safe experiences. With these international internship programs, your responsibilities will go above and beyond coffee runs. You’ll be out in the field getting your hands dirty (sometimes literally), perhaps problem-solving or managing, and building skills in an environment that will easily shed light on your own flexibility and adaptability. Plus, these programs will make sure you return home in one piece, too. Neat!
Internships in Europe
Business meetings are WAY more fun in these great European internship destinations.
If you arrive in Europe as an uncultured ruffian, you surely won’t leave that way. Europe stirs up images of magnificent cathedrals, winding cobblestone streets, and tiny bistro tables with croissants on them. Here you’ll find the best international internship programs across the entire spectrum of the arts.
The best internships abroad in Europe
1. Live your best London life with the Intern Group
Fancy yourself fish and chips? If you’re looking for an internship that will challenge your professional skills and make your resume downright impressive, you have to check out these opportunities in England's stunning capital. You’ll be placed in growing small to medium businesses and serve under the tutelage of experienced, high-impact managers.
- More info: Read the Intern Group reviews
2. Take your next step in Lisbon with Absolute Internship
Looking to level up your professional skills this summer? Spend your internship in Lisbon, one of Europe’s most creative and captivating cities, and gain hands-on experience in your chosen field from over 30 industries, including IT, Business, Marketing, and Green Technology. Work with dynamic companies, attend career development workshops, and take part in cultural activities and excursions to explore Portugal like a local. With high-quality central housing, group dinners, and 24/7 support from your Program Coordinator, this program makes building your career as exciting as living abroad.
- More info: Read Absolute Internship reviews
3. Connect your academic goals in Italy with AIFS Abroad
Step into the heart of Florence, Italy, with an international internship through AIFS Abroad and gain hands-on experience in your chosen field. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, Renaissance art, and vibrant culture while working in placements ranging from fashion and galleries to business and law. The program includes apartment-style housing, language classes, travel insurance, and 24/7 support, along with social events to connect with fellow interns. With personalized career coaching and guaranteed placement in your approved field, this internship offers a truly transformative professional and cultural experience.
- More info: Read AIFS Abroad reviews
Internships in Asia
Become a real city slicker while interning in a major city in one of the four
Asia is perhaps unparalleled in the range of quality internships on offer, as well as in topography, languages, and cultures. Considering the scale and scope of the continent, it can be daunting to narrow down where you want to intern abroad. If it’s any consolation, you’re almost guaranteed delicious food, curious customs, and a stellar experience pretty much anywhere you choose to go with these best international internship programs.
4. Paid internship in China with Go Abroad China Ltd.
Kickstart your global career with Go Abroad China’s Paid Internship Program and gain real-world experience in some of China’s most dynamic cities. Work in top companies, from Fortune 500 firms to innovative startups, across 20+ sectors, including business, finance, marketing, engineering, and IT—no prior Mandarin required for many English-speaking roles. Enjoy a seamless experience with all-inclusive support, from visa assistance and accommodation to orientation and cultural activities. With personalized career mentoring and flexible program lengths, this internship sets you up for professional success and a truly immersive international experience.
- More info: Read Go Abroad China Ltd. reviews
5. Begin your journey to Silicon Valley in South Korea with Asia Internship Program
For technology internships abroad, you could do a lot worse than the home of Samsung and LG. Asia Internship Program will help you find internships with some of the top technology companies in South Korea, and connect you with those who, like you, also sleep, eat, and breathe tech. Plus, if you can pick up some strong Korean skills, you’ll have an even greater advantage over the competition when it comes time to send out job applications.
- More info: Read Asia Internship Program reviews
6. Get creative in Japan with Internship in Japan
Flashy signs, quirky commercials, and colorful ads—a marketing, advertising, and PR internship in Japan will show you a whole new (and very different) side of the field. Internship in Japan is the premier company for finding useful and relevant internships in Japan, and they’ll ensure you leave as the sensei of customer satisfaction. Bonus points if you can make Ichiban go mainstream.
- More info: Read Internship in Japan reviews
Internships in Australia/New Zealand
Who’s to say your internship has to be in a “traditional” office?
Welcome to one of the most indescribably beautiful regions of the world. Around these parts, it will feel like your internship is doubling as a vacation, and it’ll be necessary to resist the temptation to call in sick to go surfing. Sunny weather, beautiful coastlines, and fun accents will all beckon you to Oceania for some truly once-in-a-lifetime internship experiences.
7. Become one with nature in New Zealand with Worldstrides
If you’re headed to New Zealand, you’re going to want to spend most of your time outdoors—trust us. A horticulture internship with ISA Internships will be the perfect excuse to spend a semester exploring the unique New Zealand topography. Expect your days to be long and exhausting, but spent among plants along mountain slopes, coastlines, and in lush forests. Can we come too?
- More info: Read Worldstrides reviews
8. Pick the right role for you in Australia with Beyond Academy
Experience the best of Sydney with Beyond Academy’s highly rated internship program, combining career-building opportunities with cultural immersion. Work in one of 18 industries through tailored placements, while enjoying Australia’s vibrant business environment, stunning harbor views, and diverse society. The program includes workshops, one-on-one coaching, and support to help you succeed both during and after your internship. Explore iconic sights like the Opera House, Bondi Beach, and the Blue Mountains, all while gaining international work experience that sets your career apart.
- More info: Read Beyond Academy reviews
9. Gain work experience in New Zealand with Intern NZ
Build your career with a customized internship in New Zealand through Intern NZ, gaining hands-on experience in your chosen industry. Placements are available across the country and are ideal for students and graduates looking to earn academic credits while developing professional skills. Each internship is designed to provide meaningful, high-level work experience that enhances your knowledge and expertise. Explore New Zealand’s unique culture and landscapes while advancing your career in a supportive, practical environment.
- More info: Read Intern NZ reviews
Internships in Africa
Your co-workers might look a little different while interning in Africa. ;-)
Interning in Africa will be beneficial and life-changing for those who have do-good attitudes. Nonprofit internships are abundant on this continent, so if you’re more interested in having the chance to make an impact (responsibly) and expand your perspective, and less interested in air-conditioned cubicles, this is where you’ll find your gig.
10. Bless the rains down in South Africa with VACorps
If you’re looking to grow professionally in a globally relevant field and it doubles as one of the best international internship programs, look no further than an internship in sustainable development in South Africa with VACorps. In a part of the world that is still developing, the knowledge you gain on your internship will be invaluable to the communities you become a part of (and, of course, it won’t look too shabby on your resume either).
- More info: Read VACorps reviews
11. Spend your days on safari with the Institute for Global Studies
Experience a lifetime adventure in this South African safari internship! This program is ideal for various degree majors, from tourism to business. Depending on your placement, you can focus on tourism and marketing or work as a safari guide. Volunteers interested in African safaris are also welcome. Gain insights into South Africa’s tourism industry while expanding your professional network!
- More info: Read Institute for Global Studies reviews
12. Photography and Conservation in Zimbabwe with GoEco
Experience an extraordinary adventure in Zimbabwe, where art, wildlife, and the environment unite! Collaborate with global interns and volunteers to photograph and conduct vital research in stunning locations like Zambezi and Victoria Falls National Parks. Stay along the Zambezi River, home to hippos and elephants, and explore iconic wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and more.
- More info: Read GoEco reviews
Internships in Latin America
From clock in to clock out, every minute of your internship abroad will be meaningful.
Home to the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes Mountains, the Inca Trail, and more historical sites and artifacts than you can count on your hands and feet, Central and South America are both substantial and affordable. Although the region is still largely developing, that hasn’t stopped plenty of career-making internships from cropping up around most countries.
13. Walk with dinosaurs in Argentina with Connect-123
It’s a metaphorical walk, but an archaeology internship in Argentina with Connect-123 still sounds unreal. Home to the world-renowned fossil of the largest animal to ever walk the planet, the Titanosaur, Argentina is more than appropriate as a backdrop for aspiring paleontologists. Indiana Jones and Ross Geller have nothing on you—especially if you remember to pack your khaki (and everything else you should pack for internships abroad!).
- More info: Read Connect-123 reviews
14. Find your new groove in Peru with Linguistic Horizons
As the former center of the Inca civilization, going to Peru for an internship in anthropology is a no-brainer. Linguistic Horizons make it possible to immerse into a local indigenous community, and learn about their culture while interning for a Peruvian company. In such an intimate setting it’s practically guaranteed that you’ll return home with Spanish skills to brag about (and photos of you hugging a llama).
- More info: Read Linguistic Horizons reviews
15. Assist in Biodiversity Research in Brazil with IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
This internship offers opportunities in environmental education and biodiversity research within Brazilian ecosystems. You’ll help with wildlife inventories to monitor the effects of climate change, making it ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Projects include forest and flora surveys, bird and fish inventories, searches for bioluminescent organisms, mushroom inventories, and the use of camera traps for mammals.
- More info: Read IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute reviews
16. Dive into environmental science in Costa Rica with Intern Abroad HQ
Elevate your career while immersing yourself in nature! Join an environmental science internship in Costa Rica and engage in tropical conservation efforts like reforestation, wildlife monitoring, and sustainable agriculture. This program emphasizes professional development, offering hands-on experience and skills applicable to ecology and sustainability careers. Whether in rainforests or coastal ecosystems, it’s a fantastic opportunity to enhance your resume while helping the planet!
- More info: Read Intern Abroad HQ reviews
None Quite Right? Browse ALL Internships Abroad & Find the Program For You
Paid internships abroad
Seeking all expense paid internships abroad? They’re out there, but they’re not the easiest to find.
Ka-ching! You can thank us later. Here are the best international internship programs when it comes to getting p-p-paaaaaaid. We <3 paid internships abroad, too!
17. Bond with a host family in China with LoPair Au Pair China
Want to immerse yourself in one of the world’s oldest cultures while building your childcare skills? Join LoPair’s Au Pair China program and you’ll spend your days as an "older sibling" to children in a Chinese host family. You’ll engage in language exchange, educational activities, and daily family life, all while getting a comprehensive look at modern Chinese society and culture.
- More info: Read LoPair Au Pair China reviews
18. Get paid to nap in Germany with Cultural Homestay International
Paid international internships don’t have to involve strict schedules and stuffy offices. Working as an Au Pair with Cultural Homestay International in Germany will be right up your alley if you’re interested in child care or early childhood education. Pay is nowhere near livable, but considering you’ll be living with a host family, accommodation costs shouldn’t be much trouble. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to gain language skills with this internship.
- More info: Read Cultural Homestay International reviews
19. Hit the slopes as a brand ambassador with EA Ski & Snowboard
Do you live for the mountains and fresh powder? Choose a ski or snowboard brand ambassador internship with EA Ski & Snowboard, and you’ll spend your winter season representing top resorts. You’ll engage in marketing, guest relations, and mountain operations, all while getting a comprehensive look at the global snow sports industry in world-class destinations.
- More info: Read EA Ski & Snowboard Training reviews
20. Catch Mediterranean rays in Malta with SWS Group
All-expense paid internships abroad are few and far between, but you’ll get pretty darn close in teeny tiny Malta. Thanks to their booming tourism industry, SWS Group is able to offer paid internships abroad in hospitality. For this particular program, you would be working in a four-star seaside resort with meals and accommodation included (on top of a monthly stipend).
- More info: More info SWS Group
See More PAID International Internships
Popular summer internships abroad
Summer internships abroad RULE.
Not everyone has the time or money to commit to an entire semester or full year abroad. Don’t worry, we’ve got the best summer break plans for you ever with this short-list of the best international internship programs for those short on time.
21. Rock the runway in Italy with IES Internships
If you have a penchant for high fashion, and a wide open summer, bypass Paris for Milan for a fashion design internship with IES Internships. In a field as competitive as this one, you’ll be grateful after graduation that you had a summer to network and learn a new language. Slink on catwalks and call the shots with these incredible professional learning opportunities in the fashion industry.
- More info: Read IES Internships reviews
22. Climb the corporate ladder in London with Absolute Internship
Want to make a splash in one of the world’s most influential financial hubs? Choose to intern in London with Absolute Internship, and you’ll spend your summer or semester working alongside industry leaders in fields like business, fashion, or tech. You’ll engage in professional networking, high-level projects, and career-building workshops, all while getting a comprehensive look at the fast-paced professional culture of the UK.
- More info: Read Absolute Internship reviews
23. Earn credit and experience globally with CIEE
Want to stay on track for graduation while gaining an international edge? Choose a summer or semester internship with CIEE, and you’ll spend your time immersed in a global city tailored to your career goals. You’ll engage in a full-time professional placement and an integrated academic course, all while getting a comprehensive look at how your chosen industry operates in a completely different cultural context.
- More info: Read CIEE reviews
24. Master the Mediterranean hustle in Barcelona with Expanish
Want to live like a local while leveling up your resume? Choose to intern in Barcelona with Expanish, and you’ll spend your summer session working in Spain’s most cosmopolitan city. You’ll engage in hands-on tasks within your field and practice your Spanish skills daily, all while getting a comprehensive look at the innovative spirit and work-life balance that defines the Spanish professional world.
- More info: Read Expanish reviews
25. Journey across Europe with Forum-Nexus Study Abroad
Want to see the world without staying in one place? Choose a traveling summer internship with Forum-Nexus, and you’ll spend your weeks traversing multiple European cities. You’ll engage in professional visits to international companies and organizations while earning university credit, all while getting a comprehensive look at the diverse economic and cultural landscape of the European Union.
- More info: Read Forum-Nexus reviews
Browse ALL Summer Internship Programs Abroad
Pick your intern abroad program and go!
Where in the world will you end up? We can’t wait to find out.
There are literally hundreds of options for internships around the world, and that fact can make searching for the right internship seem too daunting to be worth it. However, once you narrow down your career goals, as well as where in the world you would like to set up camp, the entire process becomes much more manageable. Once you know what it is you’re looking for, all the other details will fall into place.
More helpful resources:
- How to Pay for Your International Internship (And what do fees generally include)
- How to Pick the Right Internship Program Provider
- Most Affordable Places for Student Internships Abroad
- What to Pack to Be Taken Seriously as an Intern
With paid internship options, and year-round start dates, there’s almost no valid excuse to not take your interning on the road. Build yourself a better future, and intern abroad
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Cathryn Fortuna
GoAbroad Contributor
Cathryn was bitten by the travel bug in 2012 when she studied abroad for the first time in Spain. Since then, she has explored countries across four continents, and still hasn't managed to learn how to pack lightly. Cathryn is a strong advocate for human rights, education abroad, and breakfast foods. She is also guilty of overusing the laughing emoji.
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